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I started making recordings as an outgrowth of an interest in music, paralell with being in a band. I like the work, and I think I have an affinity for thinking through systems like signal paths, mechanical linkages, etc.

That's why I'm suited for it, but I couldn't tell you why I like it better than all my other jobs.

Once you get this far into it, questioning it as a choice is fraught with peril. It's the same sort of quandary parents must find themselves in: The time to decide if you want to be a parent is before you are one, but once you are one, you can't really undo the decision if you don't like it.
-steve

Steve? Are you trying to tell us something? Becoming a parent?! Does Heather know?!

nick92675 wrote:at any rate, the commonality between engineers that i think are good and what they've done - seem to never include going to recording school, in substitution recording as much as possible in ghetto ass situations with limited means while you learn your stuff in and out.

I whole-heartedly aggree that hands on experience is by far the best way to go. However, I think that the reason that many of our favorite engineers never went to recording school is because our favorite engineers are those that are well seasoned and have been recording professionaly for more than 10 years. They didn't have recording schools like we do now. The recording school is a new phenomenon which in most cases is a load of shit, but some programs are very effective. I am a graduate of the IU audio program. Even though I went through the program during a shaky transitional period, I still feel it was a positive experience. Now that it is under new direction and starting to offer even more courses, degrees and getting a lot of great gear, it's even better. The program gives you hog-loads of hands-on experience including 180 hours of live to 2-track recording a year (for three years) plus up to 20 hours of studio time a week. Most students don't take advantage of these luxuries because they are lazy. Those that do however come out ahead of the game. I was fortunate to have a lot of my own gear while in school, so I was constantly sharpening my recording skills as I went along. However, even though I had my own gear, and was able to experiment on my own all I wanted, audio school definately sped up the process for me and guided me in the right direction. Most importantly, recording school taught me recording theory, physics (of sound), basic electronics, music theory, and other stuff that simply does not come from tinkering with a Mackie mixer. Sure, anyone can learn this stuff on his or her own, but it's very helpful to have experienced people pointing you in the (not always) right direction.

For computer stuff you can also check out www.audioforums.com. The audio stuff on here sucks pretty bad, but the PC computer forum is by far the best one Ive seen, and really the only one that gets any attention on there (there are also software forums on there for just about any recording/editing software you can think of).

blessings,
mike

Are there "default" skills that engineers learn from an audio school?

Is there a formula that engineers are taught so it then provides them with the ability to mix drums with guitars and singing to produce a song worth listening to?

What i mean is; if I were to learn what buttons to push and when, could I make a good recording without really listening to the music being played?

Probably not.

I am sure that every person would mix a song a little differently. We all have preferences towards bass or drums or vocals, so how much personal bias comes out when recording?

Put another way:

Will technical skills only take you so far? Is a good recording a result of how good someone's "ear" is?[/quote]

I get the feeling these are rhetorical questions intended to prove a point... but I’m going to answer them anyway.

MarkS wrote:Are there "default" skills that engineers learn from an audio school?

I guess you could say so. Different schools choose to teach different things. I believe that cable coiling should be one of them, but apparently some schools don't teach it.

Is there a formula that engineers are taught so it then provides them with the ability to mix drums with guitars and singing to produce a song worth listening to?

No.

What I mean is; if I were to learn what buttons to push and when, could I make a good recording without really listening to the music being played?

No.

I am sure that every person would mix a song a little differently. We all have preferences towards bass or drums or vocals, so how much personal bias comes out when recording?

It all depends on whom you are recording. Ultimately, it's the client's decision on how they want it to sound. This can be a touchy subject when what your client thinks sounds fantabulous, you think sounds like tin foil. However, to answer your question, the sound of a recording is completely based on "personal bias". Who makes the sonic decisions is different topic.

Will technical skills only take you so far?

Of course

Is a good recording a result of how good someone's "ear" is?

Not absolutely. Although ears may be the most vital recording tool in any engineer's arsenal, they are useless without knowledge, experience and "good taste". There are probably hundreds of thousands of people on this planet with "good ears" who couldn't make a good sounding record. Why not? They don't understand signal flow. They don't know what impedances are. They don’t know what mics sound good on what source. They are not intimate with the audible frequency spectrum. They don't play a musical instrument. Someone may have great ears and horrendous taste. I have a good pair of ears. However, this same pair of ears is helping me make much better recordings now, then previously. I’m not saying that you have to go to recording school to become a good engineer. That's just stupid. In fact, a lot of the recording schools out there can probably destroy your recording career! All I’m saying is that I had a positive experience at my academic institution. The technical skills, hands-on experience and guidance that were given to me greatly accelerated all my audio related skills. Of course I've also had to unlearn a lot of stuff since then, but that's all a part of the learning process. Like I said before, I feel that experience is the best way to learn anything. Whether it's dicking around with a four track, building circuits, going to audio school, interning, listening to as many records as you can, or whatever, as long as you are keeping yourself busy and are willing to improve your skills, you will get better with practice. Some experiences are just more helpful and efficient than others. I guess it's just a matter of how you learn and want to spend your time.

na zdorovya,
misha

because i enjoy it.

.

You also have to think about the idea of being an engineer versus actually doing the work. I've spent years assisting, working with bands I don't like, etc., just to get the experience and it's paid off well; I'm completely comfortable in so many situations now. But on the other hand, I've dedicated so much time to this, I can't really do anything else other than play in a band. It's getting harder and harder for me to just be able to work. I'll work with a band - 9 times out of 10 something I wouldn't buy - they'll love how everything turned out and then it's two weeks before something else comes down the line. In the down time, I'm constantly trying to figure out what the fuck is going on that I'm an adult male and I'm not working everyday. Then, a project comes along and the whole cycle starts all over again.
One thing these recording schools don't teach is how you can totally mind fuck yourself because this job has a lifestyle that goes along with it.

MarkS wrote:Are there "default" skills that engineers learn from an audio school?

[/quote]

I will be graduating Columbia College Chicago in May, that doesn't mean that I know anything about recording or will get a job. You really have to have a passion for it and work your ass off. Go looking for opportunities, don't expect them to come to you.

I have to agree with the aforementioned "mind fuck". I was still in high school when i first started out. But it was SLLLLLOOOWWW. You have to have the balls to push through. To stick with it until you have work every week.
I'm an engineer because I love it. I find myself cutting a band a break almost every week if it will get them into the studio. Unless it's some sellout crap. I have a hard time helping them. I just make them pay flat out. no corners cut. But anyway.
I think I also do it so I can afford to paly shows with my band.